Educational aims
This diploma allows you to combine the study of two modern languages choosing from French, German and Spanish, or English language studies with one of these modern languages.
If you complete the diploma, you will have developed a broad understanding of the structure of language, how language varies and changes and how it is used in different contexts.
Each of the modern language strands provides you with opportunities to learn how to communicate effectively in a language other than English, both in speech and in writing, and to gain knowledge of the societies and cultures in which that language is used.
The English language strand aims to provide you with an understanding of the history of English, its development as a global language and its contemporary use in a range of social contexts. You will learn of different theoretical approaches to the study of language and have opportunities to analyse the English used in a variety of media.
When you have completed the diploma, you will also have had opportunities to explore and develop your cognitive skills, to become an independent learner and to develop other transferable skills and attributes.
Your study experience will be equivalent to the first two years of honours degree level study. This diploma provides a pathway to the BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
During your study, the teaching and learning will be via study materials (for example study guides, textbooks, set or recommended books, audio-video material, CD/DVDs and online materials). You will also receive individualised tutor feedback on written and oral work and will have the opportunity to participate in optional tutorials. In the language learning strand, there is at least one compulsory online school. Assessment of languages will be via written assignments of up to 750 words and speaking assignments of up to five minutes. In some modules, there is also a written and/or spoken end-of-year examination. Assessment of English language modules is mostly by way of written assignments, including essays, text analysis, independent project work, and end of module assessments.